ELMIRA, NY (WETM) – Elmira City Councilman Nick Grasso is now charged with harassment after what police describe as an assault on a woman.

Grasso had his first court appearance on the new charges in Elmira City Court on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Source

Brinn is going to have a field day with this.

Honesty have never been a fan of Grasso after hearing him speak a few times but had no dog in that fight really.

Saw some people questioning the harassment vs assault. I questioned that myself based on the explanation why.

1 hour ago, KarenK said:

Saw some people questioning the harassment vs assault. I questioned that myself based on the explanation why.

I believe it’s based on not only intent of the action ( threaten and intimidate vs intent to cause physical harm ) as well as the result ( victim is shaken up vs injured or incapacitated ).

Either way, it’s definitely troubling, particularly with allegation of other past incidents I’ve seen online. Though like Karen said, I don’t have a dog in the city’s political fight.

I also have no dog in any Elmira races either.

But I know some of his views have drawn hostility from other city officials and he’s been criticized for not “following the rest of the council” on many issues....mostly for unnecessary spending, but some other things.

 

 I’ve lived in Elmira in the past, and like lots of towns/cities....I’ve always heard various rumors and whispers about various political and influential figures in the city.

That's a common problem for small towns and big cities across the country for 250 years. We'd like to think we've moved away from the big scandals like Tamany Hall or Athens Tennessee.....but smaller, more subtle abuses are still common. I don’t think it takes a conspiracist to believe there are plenty of offenses/allegations that are routinely ignored/dismissed when 'favored community leaders' are involved.

So there’s no reason to assume it wouldn’t be just as routine to aggressively pursue/prosecute for those who are in disfavor.

Elmira Mayor Dan Mandel sent out the following statement:

“I am aware of the allegations against Councilmember Grasso and the criminal charge that has been filed. Because this matter is before the court, I will not comment on the facts or presume the outcome of the case.

Still, these are very serious allegations involving an alleged act of physical violence that, if proven, could have placed another person at significant risk of harm. As Mayor, I have a responsibility to acknowledge the seriousness of these allegations while also respecting Councilmember Grasso’s right to due process.

At the same time, members of the Elmira City Council are elected to serve the people of this city, and that office carries with it an obligation to conduct ourselves with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for others.

I have spoken with the appropriate city officials regarding this matter, and we will continue to follow the law and any advice provided by Corporation Counsel concerning the Councilmember’s ability to participate in city business.

The people of Elmira deserve a city government that maintains their trust. That responsibility applies to every one of us who holds public office.”

1 hour ago, Elmira Telegram said:

Elmira Mayor Dan Mandel sent out the following statement:

“I am aware of the allegations against Councilmember Grasso and the criminal charge that has been filed. Because this matter is before the court, I will not comment on the facts or presume the outcome of the case.

Still, these are very serious allegations involving an alleged act of physical violence that, if proven, could have placed another person at significant risk of harm. As Mayor, I have a responsibility to acknowledge the seriousness of these allegations while also respecting Councilmember Grasso’s right to due process.

At the same time, members of the Elmira City Council are elected to serve the people of this city, and that office carries with it an obligation to conduct ourselves with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for others.

I have spoken with the appropriate city officials regarding this matter, and we will continue to follow the law and any advice provided by Corporation Counsel concerning the Councilmember’s ability to participate in city business.

The people of Elmira deserve a city government that maintains their trust. That responsibility applies to every one of us who holds public office.”

Interesting, he sure was Dummied up during Mike Collins' tenure/antics

15 minutes ago, ADAM said:

Interesting, he sure was Dummied up during Mike Collins' tenure/antics

Right.

I don’t recall whether he felt compelled to publicly address the “serious allegations” against a city official when it was Collins. In fact, upon Collins’s “retirement”....Mandell felt the need to sponsor a resolution “extending appreciation to P. Michael Collins for his services rendered to the City of Elmira for the past 12 years, and wish him well in his future.”

But when the allegations are against councilmember who regularly votes against your agenda, is the only guy to vote against your resolution to praise Collins....and happens to be running for your seat?

 

Well...in that case, his ethics simply demand that he lectures about “professionalism, integrity and respect for others”.

Edited August 14Aug 14 by MsKreed

But was Collins actually arrested on any charges? Grasso was. Twice.

“Council members Gary Brinn and Jackie Wilson, both Democrats, called on Grasso to resign following his arrest.

“Mr. Grasso has repeatedly abused his office. On behalf of every victim of domestic violence and every family impacted by an individual driving under the influence, we call on Council Member Grasso to resign. Should he refused to do so, we will pursue his removal through executive action,” Brinn and Wilson said.”

Source

9 hours ago, KarenK said:

But was Collins actually arrested on any charges? Grasso was. Twice.

One arrest as far as I know. Just the DWAI.

An appearance ticket for a non-criminal violation isn’t an arrest. 

There are no charges against Collins that I’m aware of.....but allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination by a public official are just as serious (in my mind, more serious) as a non-criminal harassment petty offense.

 

If the allegations really are serious enough for Mandell to seek legal guidance on whether Grasso should even be allowed to participate in city business....then Mandell’s real questions should be about the EPD’s failure to appropriately charge for at least some low-level misdemeanor (if not a felony) instead of a violation that carries no more "serious" weight than playing a radio too loud.

If the non-criminal harassment charge is/was the appropriate charge, then is it actually a “serious allegation” worthy of his proselytization?

 Mandel can’t have it both ways. 

Edited August 14Aug 14 by MsKreed